The ex-Tottenham boss also revealed that he wanted to sign the 27-year-old playmaker when he was in charge at White Hart Lane, but he was unable to finalize a deal.

“Cazorla is a superb footballer, and I think Arsenal have got a real diamond,” Redknapp told The Sun. “However much they got for Cesc Fabregas, 40 million pounds or whatever it was, they have managed to replace him for less than half the money.

“I am a huge fan of Cesc, but I honestly don’t think there is anything between the two of them. They’re both top Spanish internationals — and Cazorla will be a truly great signing for the Gunners. Probably the best one any side made this summer, in my opinion.”

Cazorla was brought into the Emirates with Robin van Persie facing an exit. The Dutchman eventually moved to Manchester United, and Redknapp believes Van Persie could be a difference-maker in this season's title race.

“If you had to put your life on one man putting the ball in the net, you’d be hard-pressed to come up with someone better — and he will be worth another eight, nine or 10 points to United this season," Redknapp said. “In my book, that could be the difference between winning the title and not.”

“He’s a hell of a player — one of the growing number of Belgians who are tearing up the Premier League,” Redknapp said. “One of the things which has really impressed me about Vertonghen is his mentality — he is such a strong character.

“He’s an established international and is already proving that he’ll have no trouble adapting to the English game. Even if he had cost 12 million pounds, he would be a real steal.”